Morbidity associated with MDMA (ecstasy) abuse: A survey of emergency department admissions
Human & Experimental Toxicology May 20, 2010 Pinchas Halpern, Jenny Moskovich, Beni Avrahami et al. 54 citations
MDMA ('ecstasy') use leads to serious physical and psychological harm, contradicting its reputation as a safe party drug. In a nationwide study of emergency department admissions and poison center calls over seven months, 52 patients aged 15–44 (32 male) were treated for ecstasy-related problems. Most arrived at night or on weekends, and 44% had taken the drug at clubs or parties. Forty-six percent took between half and three tablets, 56% had used ecstasy before, and 42% used other drugs as well. Twenty-nine percent required hospitalization, 11% in intensive care. Common symptoms included agitation, disorientation, high blood pressure, and loss of consciousness; severe complications included hyperthermia, hyponatremia, rhabdomyolysis, brain edema, and coma.